Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 20, 2023) — North Las Vegas first responders are gearing up for some friendly competition at the Second Annual American Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive, Monday, May 22, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Aliante Hotel & Casino, 7300 N. Aliante Parkway.
“There has been a recent drop in donation appointments throughout Southern Nevada and the Western states, so giving blood now is more important than ever,” said Rachael Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “This important event is designed to help replenish the blood supply, and by participating, our local first responders are going above and beyond their normal call of duty”
This unique blood drive creates a friendly rivalry between North Las Vegas police officers and firefighters to encourage blood donations. Donors vote for their favorite first responder group, and the team with the most votes at the end of the drive is declared the winner. The police won last year’s North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges blood drive.
With the recent drop in donation appointments throughout the area, giving blood now is critical. “The need for blood has real life-and-death consequences for our community,” said Jacqueline Gravatt, North Las Vegas Police Chief. “When donors give blood, they could be helping family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors – locally and across the country. Every unit of blood can save someone’s life.”
As summer nears, blood donations are critically important to maintaining a stable blood supply. “When schools let out and families set off on vacation, we typically see a decline in donors, often leading to a seasonal blood shortage,” Flanigan said.
Joseph Calhoun, North Las Vegas Fire Department Chief, said, “First responders see the need for blood donation firsthand, every day, so we encourage the public to help save lives by coming out on Monday to donate blood.”
Schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive
Go to RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and use the NLVBOTB sponsor code to schedule an appointment. Give blood by May 31, 2023, and receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last, and be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Fanatics.
Community partners supporting Battle of the Badges
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is partnering with Boyd Gaming, Rimini Street, Republic Services, and UnitedHealth Group/Optum to support the event.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.